I asked Chef Hillori of Whole Foods Market to show me – and you – how to spatchcock a chicken. Watch the video to see my very first attempt – if i can do it, you can too.
Truth: I used to ask the butcher to do all my spatchcocking (and other meat cutting) instead of doing it myself. Let’s be honest – spatchcocking sounds (1) highly complicated (2) pornographic (3) like something above my pay grade.
But really, it’s none of those things. It’s a really simple way to lay out a whole bird for even cooking and better seasoning coverage, which results in more flavorful, juicier birds cooked in a shorter amount of time. Seriously – we’re talking chicken ready in 35-40 minutes at 400F, and it’s time to eat. It’s a win all around.
Once you go spatchcock, you’ll never go back.
You’ll need:
- Cutting board
- Kitchen shears
- Sharp knife
- Chicken, turkey or other poultry
- Place the bird on breast-side down on the cutting board
- Using the shears, cut along one side of the backbone, from neck to tail.
- Repeat along the other side of the backbone to remove it. (You can save the backbone to make stock.) Open the chicken up.
- Use the knife to cut about halfway down the bone at the center of the breast.
- Flip the bird over, and press firmly on the breast to flatten.
Now you’re ready to season the bird and roast or grill!
